HC Deb 18 July 1922 vol 156 cc1894-5
23. Lieut.-Colonel HILDER

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the great congestion of traffic at some hours of the day within the Metropolitan police district of London, and the consequent grave loss of time to the business community, he will consider the question of a revision of the traffic regulations, particularly with a view to securing some classification of traffic and some provision that certain classes of traffic should be restricted from passing along certain thoroughfares except during fixed hours?

66. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether his attention has been drawn to the great increase in motor vehicles in the streets of London, and the corresponding decrease in horse-drawn vehicles; if he is aware that the whole traffic in certain streets is frequently held up by slow-moving horse-drawn vehicles, especially in the City and its environs; whether this matter is being dealt with in any way: and whether he will consider the desirability of reserving certain avenues of traffic for motor vehicles only?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of TRANSPORT (Mr. Neal)

As the hon. and gallant Members are aware, the whole question of London traffic was considered exhaustively by a Departmental Committee under the chairmanship of the late Member for the Hornsey Division (Mr. Kennedy Jones). Legislation would be required to give compulsory effect to the suggestions of the hon. Members, and, in view of the consideration of the whole question of London government which is now being given by a Royal Commission, I do not think it desirable to introduce legislation. A Committee, however, on which the police authorities and the principal traffic agencies are represented, meets regularly at the Ministry of Transport, and has, by agreement, secured many improvements.

Sir F. HALL

Does the hon. Gentleman know that, notwithstanding all these Commissions and Select Committees that have been set up the Reports are put in the archives, and nothing is done?

Lieut.-Colonel HILDER

Does the hon. Gentleman realise the great loss of time, and the great loss of money as represented by the waste of petrol and time?

Mr. NEAL

Quite so, and for that reason many of the matters are being dealt with by the Committee I have mentioned.